"So you deem it. But to prove to you, that I am not seeking, as your enemies would have me do, to try and entangle you in my net, I will tear asunder the snare already closing round you, and show you something which shall enlighten you once and for all."
She went to her writing-table and took out of a drawer a letter.
"Say, do you know this handwriting?"
"Very well, it is that of the district commissioner."
"The note was addressed to me, in order to awaken no suspicion. Please read it."
It was the letter which the district commissioner had written at the theatre.
As he read it, Ráby fairly crimsoned with wrath. He was thunderstruck to find that his official chief, who had promised to support his mission, should have a secret understanding with those whom he was pledged to punish. Whom should he trust, if this was the state of things?
"Now will you not fly?" said Fräulein Fruzsinka. Her words urged him to go, but her eyes held him back.
"No, indeed! now will I remain," cried Ráby impetuously, as he rose to go. And as if to prove that he had determined to do and dare all, he hastily seized her hand and raised it passionately to his lips.
And she did not withdraw hers, but vehemently returned its pressure, as if to say: "This is the man I have long been looking for!"